Dance footwear

ABSTRACT

A dance sock including features and materials to increase horizontal friction and decrease pivot friction between the sock and a surface.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/825,415, filed May 20, 2013 and titled DANCE FOOTWEAR, which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to footwear for dancers or other athletes that perform barefoot exercises on hard surfaces. In particular, the present invention relates to a sock having a sole that comprises a fabric having a nap configured to provide the wearer with traction, yet permits the wearer to twist and pivot their foot relative to the floor without displacing or bunching the sock.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Dance is a type of art that generally involves movement of the body, often rhythmic and to music. It is performed in many cultures as a form of emotional expression, social interaction, or exercise, in spiritual or performance settings, and is sometimes used to express ideas or tell a story.

Dancers generally combine the motions of their head, face, arms, hands, torsos, legs, and feet to portray emotion and rhythmic expression. Dancers rely heavily on their feet and legs to move themselves throughout the dance. Some forms of dance require the dancer to pivot and twirl on their feet. Other forms of dance require the dancer to leap and bound. These movements are difficult to perform and taxing to the dancer's feet.

When performing a dance, a dancer may wear specialized footwear to assist the dancer in performing certain moves. The dancer may also wear footwear and other supportive equipment to protect the dancer's feet. For example, a ballet dancer typically wears ballet shoes and supportive athletic tape when performing. This specialized footwear is expensive and therefore dancers limit the use and wearing of this footwear as much as possible. Accordingly, when exercising or practicing dance techniques dancers typically prefer to perform these exercises while barefoot.

Barefoot dancing provides the dancer with sufficient traction, yet limits the dancer's ability to twist and pivot without injuring the dancer's soles. Thus, barefoot dancing is arduous and often results in injuries to the dancer's feet. Various low-cost products are available that are configured to protect a dancer's feet while attempting to provide the dancer with a barefoot feeling. Some of these products include adhesive strips having padding that is applied to the ball of the dancer's foot. Other products protect only certain portions of the dancer's foot. Further still, some products provide protection to the dancer's feet yet interfere with foot traction.

Thus, while techniques and products currently exist to assist and protect a dancer's feet while dancing barefoot, challenges still exist. Accordingly, there is a great need to provide low-cost footwear that protects the dancer's feet, while maintaining sufficient foot traction. Such a footwear solution is disclosed herein.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to footwear for dancers or other athletes that perform barefoot exercises on hard surfaces. In particular, the present invention relates to a sock having a sole that comprises a fabric having a nap configured to provide the wearer with traction, yet permits the wearer to twist and pivot their foot relative to the floor without displacing or bunching the sock.

In summary, the present invention is dance footwear comprising a sock that can be worn with or without dance shoes. The sock generally comprises a tube of fabric having a closed end and an open end. The sock further comprises a sole having a heal end and a toe end. In some implementations, the sole includes a pad comprising a material that increases lateral or horizontal friction between the sock and a hard surface (such as a hardwood floor), while reducing pivot friction between the sock and the hard surface. As such, the material allows the wearer to twist or pivot on the pad, yet prevents undesired slippage between the sock and the hard surface when the wearer is walking, running or performing other lateral or horizontal movements. When worn with dance shoes, the pad material prevents slippage between the wearer's foot and the insole of the shoe.

Some implementations of the present invention provide a dance sock having a pad that is aligned with the ball of the wearer's foot when the dance sock is worn. Other implementations provide a dance sock having a pad that is aligned with various other anatomical features of the wearer's foot when the dance sock is worn. In some instances, a dance sock is provided having a pad that is aligned with one or more toes of the wearer when the dance sock is worn. In other instance, a dance sock is provided having separate toe pockets configured to receive one or more toes of the wearer. The dance sock further includes one or more pads that is positioned on the sole of the sock, and on one or more of the separate toe pockets such that the one or more pads are aligned with one or more toes of the wearer when the dance sock is worn.

Other implementations of the present invention further include a pad comprising a cushioning material. In some instances, a cushioning material is interposedly positioned between the pad and the sole of the dance sock. In other instances, the material of the pad further provides a cushioning function.

Some implementations of the present invention further include a moisture wicking material. Other implementations of the present invention further include a heat sink material. In some instances, the present invention includes an odor neutralizing agent. The present invention may further include an antibacterial coating or material. Further still, some instances of the present invention comprise a compression sock that applies constrictive pressure to the wearer's arch, foot, ankle, and/or calf.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the above-recited and other features and advantages of the invention are obtained and will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. These drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to limit the scope of the invention.

FIG. 1 shows a plan side view of a dance sock having a pad in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2, shown in parts A-L, shows plan bottom views of a dance sock having a pad in various configurations in accordance with various representative embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3, shown in parts A-H, shows plan bottom views of a dance sock having individual toe pockets and having a pad in various configurations in accordance with various representative embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a plan side view of a dance sock having a pad that extends over forward and rearward surfaces of the wearer's foot when worn in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a cross-section detailed view of a dance sock and pad in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to footwear for dancers or other athletes that perform barefoot exercises on hard surfaces. In particular, the present invention relates to a sock having a sole that comprises a fabric having a nap configured to provide the wearer with traction, yet permits the wearer to twist and pivot their foot relative to the floor without displacing or bunching the sock.

As used herein, the term “dance footwear” is understood to include a sock structure that is configured to be worn by a dancer to provide a layer of protection between the dancer's skin and the surface on which the dancer is dancing. Dance footwear may also include a sock structure that is configured to be worn inside of a traditional dance shoe, or other athletic shoe to provide a layer of protection between the dancer's skin and the inner surface of the shoe. In some instances, features of the dance footwear increase friction between the wearer's foot and an insole of the traditional dance shoe.

As used herein, the term “pad” is understood to include any material having properties that increase lateral or horizontal friction between the dance sock and a hard surface (such as hardwood flooring), while simultaneously reducing pivot friction between the same. Examples of pad material may include suede leather, synthetic suede, Alcantara® material, Novasuede® material, Ultrasuede® material, polyester microfibers, neoprene, nylon microfibers, cellulose microfibers, woven materials, non-woven materials, and any combination thereof.

As used herein, the terms “lateral friction” or “horizontal friction” are understood to describe friction between the wearer's foot and a hard surface, or between the pad and a hard surface when the force of the foot's movement is in a plane that is parallel to the plane of the hard surface. Lateral or horizontal friction may also be termed “shear friction” when used to describe the frictional force that is increased by increasing friction between the pad and the hard surface for movements of the pad on the hard surface in approximately the same plane as the hard surface.

As used herein, the term “moisture wicking” is understood to include any wicking material or combination of wicking and non-wicking materials capable of transferring moisture away from the wearer's feet. Wicking materials may include natural and/or synthetic materials.

As used herein, the term “heat sinking” is understood to include any material or combination of materials capable of transferring heat away from the wearer's feet. Heat sinking materials may include natural and/or synthetic materials, including gels, foams, powders, metallic threads, and graphite.

As used herein, the term “antibacterial” is understood to include any material or combination of materials having antibacterial properties. Suitable antibacterial materials of the present invention include those materials that are safe for use in direct or indirect contact with skin.

As used herein, the term “odor neutralizing agent” is understood to include any material or combination of materials capable of reducing or eliminating odor. Suitable odor neutralizing agents of the present invention include those materials that are safe for use in direct or indirect contact with skin.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a dance sock 10 is shown. In general, dance sock 10 comprises an open end 12 forming an entrance to the sock, and a closed end 14 forming a toe of the sock. Sock 10 further comprises a sole 20. Sole 20 comprises a heel end 22 configured to accommodate the heel of the wearer. Sole 20 further comprises a toe end 24 configured to accommodate the toes of the wearer when worn.

Dance sock 10 may comprise any material or combination of materials suitable for use in providing a sock structure. Further, dance sock 10 may include any structure or features of a traditional casual and/or athletic sock. For example, in some instances dance sock 10 comprises a tube sock. In other instances, dance sock 10 comprises a crew sock. Dance sock 10 may further comprise a low-cut sock. Further still, in some instances dance sock 10 comprises a knee-high sock.

Dance sock 10 may further be incorporated into a legging, such as tights or hosiery. In some instances, dance sock 10 comprises compression regions that are configured to provide additional support to the wearer's foot and lower leg. Dance sock 10 may further include a plurality of toe pockets configured to receive one or more toes of the wearer.

Dance sock 10 further comprises a pad 30. Pad 30 comprises a material that is configured to increase lateral or horizontal friction between pad 30 and a hard surface (such as a hardwood floor, or other dance-appropriate surface). In some instances, pad 30 comprises a synthetic suede material. In other instances, pad 30 comprises a microfiber material.

Pad 30 is generally applied to sole 20 at a position that provides the greatest benefit to the wearer and a desired dance style or movement. In some instances, pad 30 is positioned on sole 20 at a location that coordinates with various anatomical features of the wearer's foot when dance sock 10 is worn.

Referring now to FIGS. 2A-2L, various non-limiting examples of pad 30 on sole 20 of dance sock 10 is shown. In some instances, pad 30 is applied to the balls of the wearer's toes. In other instances, pad 30 is further applied to the wearer's heel. Pad 30 may also be applied to the wearer's outer arch.

In some embodiments, pad 30 is applied to the entire surface of sole 20. In other embodiments, pad 30 is applied to sole 20 to coordinate with the balls of the wearer's toes, or the balls of the wearer's foot, and separately to the wearer's heel. A linking section of pad 30 may extend between the separate pads to maintain a distance between the pads while being worn. In some instances, pad 30 comprises a plurality of pads, each pad being applied to sole 20 to coordinate with one or more of the wearer's toes when the sock is worn. Some embodiments of the present invention further comprise a pad 30 having a plurality of sections, wherein the sections are spaced to encourage the pad to flex and move with the wearer's foot.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A-3H, various non-limiting examples of pad 30 on a sole 120 of a dance sock 100 is shown. As previously mentioned, some embodiments of the present invention comprise a dance sock 100 having a plurality of pockets configured to receiving one or more of the wearer's toes. Accordingly, pad 30 may be applied to sole 120 of dance sock 100 at various positions to accommodate the plurality of toe pockets. In some instances, pad 30 is applied to sole 120 to coordinate with the entire ball of the wearer's foot. In other instances, pad 30 is applied to sole 120 to coordinate with only a portion of the ball of the foot. In other instances, pad 30 is applied to sole 120 to coordinate the distal phalanx of the toes. Pad 30 may also be applied to sole 120 to coordinate the distal phalanx of a single toe, the entire ball of the foot, the outer arch of the foot, and the heel.

Pad 30 may be applied to any surface of dance sock 10 where the application provides a beneficial function to the wearer. For example, in some instanced pad 30 is applied to sole 20 and extended to cover a distal end of the wearer's toe when worn, as shown in FIG. 4. Further, pad 30 may be applied to sole 20 and extend to cover a proximal end of the wearer's heel. This feature may be beneficial for dance styles and movements that use of the proximal and distal surfaces of the wearer's foot. Further, this feature may be beneficial to prevent wear and tear of dance sock 10 and the wearer's foot when worn.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a cross-section of dance sock 10 and pad 30 is shown. In some embodiments, a pocket 32 is formed between pad 30 and sole 20 when pad 30 is attached to dance sock 10. Pocket 32 may be filled with a material 50 or combination of materials configured to provide a useful benefit to the wearer. For example, in some embodiments pocket 32 is filled with a moisture wicking material. In other embodiments, pocket 32 is filled with an odor neutralizing material. Further still, in some embodiments pocket 32 is filled with a heat sinking or absorbing material, such as a cooling gel.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its structures, methods, or other essential characteristics as broadly described herein and claimed hereinafter. For example, one having skill in the art will appreciate that the systems and methods of the present invention may be adapted for use with other sports or activities that will benefit from increased horizontal friction and decreased pivot friction, such as yoga, tumbling and/or gymnastics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative, and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. 

What is claimed is:
 1. Footwear, comprising: a sock having an open end, a toe end, and a sole; and a pad attached to a portion of the sole, the pad being configured to increase horizontal friction and decrease pivot friction between the sock and a surface.
 2. The footwear of claim 1, wherein the portion of the sole positions the pad over the balls of a wearer's toes.
 3. The footwear of claim 1, wherein the portion of the sole positions the pad over one or more of a wearer's toes.
 4. The footwear of claim 1, wherein the portion of the sole positions the pad over a wearer's arch.
 5. The footwear of claim 1, wherein the portion of the sole positions the pad over one or more anatomical features of a wearer's foot.
 6. The footwear of claim 5, wherein the one or more anatomical features is selected from the group consisting of one or more toes, a heal, one or more balls of the wearer's toes, an inner arch, an outer arch, and a tip of one or more toes.
 7. The footwear of claim 1, wherein the pad consists of a single pad.
 8. The footwear of claim 1, wherein the pad comprises a plurality of individual pads.
 9. The footwear of claim 1, wherein the pad comprises a first pad, a second pad, and a linking section coupling the first pad to the second pad.
 10. The footwear of claim 9, wherein the linking section maintains a distance between the first and second pads.
 11. The footwear of claim 1, wherein the toe end comprises at least two toe pockets.
 12. The footwear of claim 11, wherein the portion of the sole positions the pad over at least one of the toe pockets.
 13. The footwear of claim 1, further comprising: a pocket formed between the pad and the portion of the sole; and a material inserted in the pocket, wherein the material provides a useful benefit to the wearer.
 14. The footwear of claim 13, wherein the material is moisture wicking.
 15. The footwear of claim 13, wherein the material is odor neutralizing.
 16. The footwear of claim 13, wherein the material comprises a heat sinking or heat absorbing material.
 17. The footwear of claim 13, wherein the material is antibacterial.
 18. The footwear of claim 13, wherein the material is entirely enclosed within the pocket.
 19. The footwear of claim 1, wherein the pad comprises a pad material selected from the group consisting of suede leather, synthetic suede, Alcantara®, Novasuede®, Ultrasuede®, a polyester microfiber, neoprene, a woven material, a non-woven material, and combinations thereof.
 20. A method for manufacturing a dance sock device, the method comprising steps for: providing a sock having an open end, a toe end, and a sole; and attaching a pad to a portion of the sole, the pad being configured to increase horizontal friction and decrease pivot friction between the sock and a surface. 